Learning Technology Program
Five-Year Technology Plan for Digital Age Learning
Illinois has identified five goals to advance digital age learning in K–12 schools:
GOAL 1: Technology will provide all Illinois students with equitable access to rich, diverse and high-quality learning opportunities.
• LTCs will distribute technology-enhanced “best practices and transforming uses” that are research-based and support state learning standards.
• LTCs will help students and educators understand the relationships between technology learning standards, 21st Century skills, the Illinois Learning Standards and student achievement.
GOAL 2: Educators will use technology for teaching, learning, leadership and administration by 2014.
• LTCs will work with ISBE to integrate National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS) in professional development and curricular design activities.
• LTCs will form partnerships with institutions for higher learning; ROE and ISCs; school districts; and government, community and businesses entities to integrate technology into the academic content of professional development.
GOAL 3: Illinois students will be educated in environments conducive to learning in a technological, knowledge-based age by 2014.
• LTC directors and net specialists will serve on committees to research and determine models fot Illinois Digital-Learning Framework from a curriculum and instructional point of view.
• LTCs will help local education agencies find and secure resources, including grant writing, to implement the Illinois Digital-Learning Framework.
GOAL 4: All Illinois students will have access to contemporary and high-speed technologies and communications networks by 2014.
• LTCs will provide LAN/WAN network support and planning for Illinois K-12 school districts.
• LTCs will provide expertise for hardware setup and installation of network equipment.
• LTCs will cooperate and assist ICN and other Internet Service Provider personnel with troubleshooting installation and rollout of new products and initiatives for K-12 schools.
• LTCs will gather connectivity data to support state and No Child Left Behind goals.
• LTCs will promote public sector and private sector partnerships that support equity of access to technology, particularly for students from high-poverty schools, and community access for students and parents.
GOAL 5: State-level policies, leadership and budgets will be aligned to support technology in teaching, learning, leadership and administration by 2014.
• LTCs must develop and sustain their skills and knowledge to be an effective resource and support for ROEs and school districts.
• LTCs should identify model technology programs and resources and make them available by creating clearing houses of information.
• LTCs should establish a comprehensive evaluation process that marks the goals and benchmarks of Illinois Digital Learning.